Architectural Design Competition for Student Experience Centre Launched
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has launched an architectural design competition for the design of a Student Experience Centre, a UG 75th Anniversary Legacy Project.
Delivering remarks at the event, the Chair of the UG@75 Planning Committee, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, highlighted the Vice-Chancellor's vision of making the student experience on campus more vibrant. She noted that while the nation often speaks about the youth as the future, it is important to remember that the elderly also have a role to play in creating a positive environment for young people.
She stated that “the competition will allow the University to witness expertise in architecture and create opportunities for genuine innovative energy to enhance the space.” She expressed that “the University aims to provide the competitors with the chance to showcase their creativity and present opportunities for their innovative ideas.”
Prof. Adomako Ampofo further mentioned that the University looks forward to witnessing visionary ideas and expects the competitors to engage with the University's uniqueness. “This competition offers the University the opportunity to prioritise excellence, ensuring that a diverse range of creative projects will be evaluated without any interference,” she mentioned.
Speaking on the University's five-year strategic plan, which prioritises transformative student experience, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amfo stated that “the goal is to create a learning environment where students are valued as active co-creators and innovators on a dynamic educational journey. This vision is supported by an empowering, inclusive, and technologically advanced learning environment.”
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the Student Experience Centre was conceived to enrich the lives of students by providing a comprehensive range of resources, services and opportunities.
The facility, according to Prof. Amfo, is expected to include consolidated cultural and technological spaces, along with satellite offices for various units such as Student Financial Aid, the Academic Office Directorate, the Careers and Counselling Centre, a large conference facility and other smaller meeting rooms, a Consolidated Agricultural Technology Space, a Leadership Training Centre and a Student Clinic.
During a brief speech, Mr. Jim Amegah, Chief Executive Officer of Eban Capital, the fundraising company, expressed his excitement about being involved in the project, stating that their focus is on transformative initiatives and that being an alumnus of the University makes it easier for his organisation to support the project.
He discussed the importance of funding for the successful development and impact of the project while noting that his outfit has already engaged with investors and is awaiting the winning design to ascertain the required funding for the project.
He concluded by highlighting that the project will be the first of its kind in the nation and stressed the importance of the University prioritising and taking into account the interests of the country, noting that it will be a transformative project.
The event was followed by a visit to the designated site for the project led by the Acting Director of the University’s Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate, Mr. Peter Abalansah, and his staff.
In attendance at the event were the Vice-Chair of the 75th anniversary planning committee, Prof. Clement Appah; Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, members of the judging panel for the competitions, representatives of the competing architectural firms, some members of the University community and student leaders.
12 architectural companies are participating in a competition. The competing firms have until September 20, 2024, to submit their plans and supporting documentation to be vetted by a judging panel made up of experts in the construction industry as well as staff and student representatives from UG.